Which amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms?

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution explicitly protects the right of individuals to keep and bear arms. This amendment was adopted in 1791 and is part of the Bill of Rights. It states, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

This wording underlines the importance placed on individual rights in the context of self-defense and the role of armed citizens in maintaining freedom and security. Legal interpretations and Supreme Court rulings have further shaped its application, confirming that individuals have the right to own firearms not just for service in a militia, but for personal use as well.

In contrast, the First Amendment addresses freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, while the Fifth Amendment deals with rights in criminal cases, including due process and protection against self-incrimination. Each of these amendments serves distinct purposes and focuses on different rights.